Do you think that we are more materialistic now than we have ever been before?

Question

Have we, in the twenty-first century, become increasingly self-absorbed, selfish and utterly obsessed with luxury, security, wealth and material items? Do you think we are like this now more than ever before, and with increasing intensity? In the 1960s there was an appearance of going "back to nature" with countercultures and so forth, but today the predominant image one receives of "first world" society is of multitudinous gadgets, such as mobile telephones, mp3 players and laptops, and high-paying careers, expensive fashions, and so on. Do you think it is the same now as it has always been, or do you think it is getting much worse... or better?

(And why do you think it is so?)

Answer 1

We, as in all of us ... are not all materialistic.  Just because you like material things does NOT make you materialistic.

Answer 2

I think that in any era there is going to be an ebb and flow of materialism vs spiritualism.  When one aspect gets out of control, the other asserts itself and tries to bring us back.  As much as I think of this, I have come to the understanding that as physical beings we do need physical things to survive - we just need to realize that it isn't the only thing to strive for.  

I see more and more people lately just *not wanting* more stuff.  Keep your eyes and ears open, you will see patterns emerging almost as though they were always there ;)  

Take care.

Answer 3

The 18th century was more materialistic than the 17th century.

The 19th century was more materialistic than the 18th century.

The 20th century....etc. etc. etc.

The next century will be more materialist than we are....that's human nature.

Answer 4

Certainly, we feast like sultans nowadays. I doubt that 200 years ago you'd see guys polishing up their wagons, but these days there are people who will wash their cars 3 times a week or whatnot. It's rediculous. I really think Jesus is losing to the God of Possessions. It's unfortunate that people feel the need to define themselves by the things they own. When you pass away no ones really gonna remember what you had, but who are. Your materials don't go to the grave with you, you know? Sorry to preach, but I definately agree and when the **** hits the fan all of those electronics and clothes aren't gonna mean a d**n thing. I would love to live the old simple ways, adapting to the land and not the land adapting to me. The only luxury I'd take with me is heat and air condition.

Answer 5

We are materialistic because our culture promotes it.

How else can you explain a president saying you can stop terrorists by "going shopping"?  You never hear anything about sacrifice, saving, or duty.

They prey on our sexuality, making us need to be s**y, and then sell us things to make us sexier, cars, clothing, jewelry, plastic surgery, videos........everything.  Yes, I am guilty of this too.

I hope that the teens will begin to change this trend someday when they are older, we can only hope.  We hurt our spiritual life and our environment and our families by our greed

Answer 6

Yes, we are more materialistic now than ever. We depend a lot on technology, and devices which require a high degree of monetary gain.This leads to greed.

Answer 7

Its worse now, because we depend on technology more than ever...look how people stand online for days for a stupid i phone, when most of the people on that line don't even need it. Personally, I'm not materialistic, there are more important things in life.

Answer 8

I agree with everything you say here.  I think materialism and technology has taken us away from true values, family, relationships, and integrity.  There isn't that bottom line, wholesome, principled, foundational lifestyle of consideration and respect for others these days as I believe it used to be.  That's my opinion and I feel it strongly.

Answer 9

I think it is getting worse for a good number of people.  There are also people who see this, and dig their heals in and stay the same and don't buy into all of this world.

Why?  Because based on the Bible, we are in the end times, and things are supposed to get worse.  

Just make sure you ae saved through Jesus, so you will know where your eternity will be spent.  :)

Answer 10

It is getting worst, i think the media has a lot to do with it. These days everything is about money, what shoes you wear, and the car you drive.

Answer 11

yes, i think it's perpetuated by the media -- advertising, celebrities, programs about the famous and how they live.  it gives us the illusion that the key to happiness is having money and owning lots of expensive stuff.

Answer 12

Good question. I'm going to star it as well. I remember the 60's. A lot of the counter culture was based in selfishness. At the same time a lot of compassion and love was thriving as well. I think all generations and era's have had full representation as far as different human tendancies and lifestyle trends. I think the current times offer way more opportunities for selfishness and being materialistic and many people do fit into these brackets. There is however more people attending church services than ever before. There are many different churches today but over all attendance is up. Charities are springing up like wildflowers and over all they are recieving record amounts of money. I think bad news travels faster and is covered more than good news and we are plummeted with the entrappings of life's tragedies not being reminded of all the good going on in our world. During the last southern california wildfires more than 1,000,000 people were homeless and misplaced permanently or temporarily. Shelters were turning away donations of supplies because they were being flooded with donations and didn't need anymore. These are the people we share our world with today and it is inspiring. Having pointed out the compassion and unselfishness of our current population I would have to admit there is an awful lot of materialistic people in our society as well and it does seem to be growing in numbers. Fortunately there is growth in morality and love for our mankind as well.

Answer 13

It is worse now, and getting "worser" on a daily basis.  Which is good.  It will carry on until the bubble bursts, and then people can start using the other 90+% of their brain power. Communicate via telepathy, live of credits (no money and/or work whatsoever) teletransport and all those "Star Trek" goodies. Nothing inside of outside of us, that would make it impossible.

Peace.

Answer 14

simple question: YES

Answer 15

Yes, we are more materialistic now than we have even been before. We depend WAY to much on technology. I mean if you took away a family's computer, television, cell phones, and music devices (Ipods, stereos....) they probably couldn't handle that. I mean think about your day, you have used one of the objects I have listed. Personally I blame the Internet for a lot of the technology dependency.

Answer 16

yes

Answer 17

Society as a whole, yes...in the Western world anyway, it's become more and more about "things."

Love people, use things--not the other way round.

Answer 18

People have always been materialistic. As far as you can remember, men have wanted bigger houses to prove their worth, and women have been trying to one-up their friends by showing up at balls in fancier gowns or by owning more jewelry. There have always been designers whose dresses and coats carried a heftier name than the average tailor's, there have always been "delicacy" foods, and there have always been some pieces of technology that were super-expensive for their time but were also considered must-haves, like early telephones and grandfather clocks. The major differences nowadays are that the wealth is more spread out; ie, America has a sizeable middle class, whereas materialism and money were once comprised entirely of the elite upper class. Also, there are more people and less land, so having a huge plot of land is an even BIGGER "showing off" sort of tool than it was hundreds of years ago.

I DO think that modern parents have a tendency to spoil their children more; I can't tell you the last time I saw a child actually working to earn their allowance.

Answer 19

I think that we are growing more and more materialistic by the day. Its basically the way people show 'power' and 'possession' so to speak. People are so wrapped up in their new phones, having the best model and waiting endless hours on line to get the latest gadget that has come out. Years ago, we survived without of these things. I believe we are so materialistic because we are always in a competition with society, always trying to outdo people and be the best.

Answer 20

Without doubt: YES!